Abstract

Characterization and Identification of Fames in Canola Biodiesel Using Spectroscopic Studies

Author(s): V. Hariram and S. Vasanthaseelan

Biodiesel was derived from canola seed oil, which was obtained through Expeller-Soxhlet extraction method, KOH as catalyst and methanol were used in single stage transesterification process at 65°C. Biodiesel was characterized using gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C) techniques were used to identify the various FAME’s present in the biodiesel. Nine fatty acid methyl esters including lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, pentadecylic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, arachidic acid, gondoic acid and behenic acid were found in prominent compositions. The physio-chemical properties of canola seed biodiesel was also found to be with in ASTM standards.